International Women's Day

As a mother of two daughters and a parent coach, I’m a big fan of International Women’s Day which has been celebrated on March 8 since 1911. Some days, it seems like we’ve made lots of progress but on other days we are reminded of how much more there is to do.

1990s:

• ·When I was expecting my first child, I remember my employer telling me if I chose to take 12 weeks of parent leave, I was not guaranteed my job back (I took them anyway)!

• As a new mother returning to work, I pumped my breastmilk in a bathroom stall because there were no workplace lactation rooms.

Someone wise once told me that if you have a complaint, then bring a solution so that’s what I did. I researched what other companies were doing for lactation rooms and how a new policy would benefit the organization. The company I worked for was a conservative engineering company and when started my pitch with the word “breastfeeding”, I think the male HR manager was so embarrassed he was more than happy to approve the proposal so I would go away. Is it bad that this still makes me chuckle?

2020s:

·       Many moms and dads who work outside the home are now able to enjoy time off with their baby thanks to the Family Medical Leave Act. Smart organizations are offering fully paid parent leave and hopefully more will follow their lead.

·       Minnesota law now requires employers to provide breastfeeding parents with reasonable break time to express milk and a private room or other location for milk expression, other than a bathroom or a toilet stall, with access to an electrical outlet and in close proximity to the employees’ workspace. NEW as of Jan 1 2022: an employer will not be able to reduce an employee’s compensation for time used for expressing milk.

What’s Next?

• Fully paid Parent Leave for all parents.

• Breastfeeding accommodations in all workplaces and public spaces.

• Gender equity. Equal pay.

What are your hopes and dreams for the future? I’d love to hear from you at hello@bevgillen.com.